A packed crowd filled Lachlan's Line Auditorium on Wednesday 16 April to witness an unforgettable night of music, energy and youthful talent as City of Ryde celebrated 20 years of Battle of the Bands.
This year's milestone event saw five incredible finalist bands – Freak, The Norm, Fishpox, Divot, and Commissioners – take to the stage, each showcasing their unique sound, style and stage presence. From grunge and punk-inspired riffs to indie and pop-rock anthems, the night was a powerful celebration of youth creativity and community spirit.
After an electrifying evening of performances, the judges had the tough task of choosing the winners:
- First Place: Fishpox, winning a recording studio package with Katcha Music Studio, valued at $2000.
- Second Place: Freak, awarded a $1,000 gift voucher from Mall Music, Macquarie Centre.
- Third Place: The Norm, received a $500 gift voucher from Mall Music, Macquarie Centre.
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown congratulated all the finalists and applauded their talent and passion.
"Battle of the Bands has always been about providing a platform for young people to express themselves through music, and this year's performers were nothing short of outstanding," Mayor Brown said.
"It's been inspiring to see such a high calibre of musicianship from local youth. Events like this not only showcase the incredible talent in our community but also bring people together in a celebration of culture, creativity and connection."
As the 20th edition of Battle of the Bands wraps up, City of Ryde extends its thanks to the judges, event organisers, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who made the night such a success – and most importantly, to the young musicians who made it unforgettable.
